Box Score

NORWICH, Connecticut (July 4, 2022) – The Westfield Starfires sported their 104th Fighter Wing jerseys and defeated the Norwich Sea Unicorns in an afternoon Futures Collegiate Baseball League matchup by a final score of 9-2 on Monday, July 4.

With the win, the Starfires reach 17-17 on the season; the team sits tied for third in the standings.

Jack Wentworth led off the third inning with a walk for the Starfires, coming home to score on a double by Cooper Johnson down the left-field line. Ryan Molinari then drew his second walk of the day and the Starfires pulled off a double steal before both runners came home on a double by Noah Campanelli, putting the Starfires up 3-0.

The Sea Unicorns immediately earned two runs back in their half of the third. Back-to-back singles by Drew Kron and Tremayne Cobb Jr. and a double steal of their own put runners on second and third. Alex Irizarry then singled to drive them in, making the score 3-2 Starfires.

The Starfires wasted no time getting back on the board. In the fourth inning, Nicholas Alonso doubled and Johnson walked before Molinari singled to drive in Alonso and send Johnson to third. Hornung then singled to drive in Johnson making the score 5-2. The RBI, his 36th, broke his tie with 2021 FCBL MVP Cole Bartels for the most in franchise history.

Runs continued to pile on for the Starfires in the eighth and ninth innings. In the eighth, Chad Lavelle doubled and Alonso and Wentworth singled. Wentworth’s single drove in Lavelle, but Alonso was cut down at home. The out did not deter the Starfires from continuing to attack. Johnson singled, and Molinari singled to send home Wentworth, pushing Johnson to third. On a fly ball to shallow left field, Johnson faked as if he was going to try to score on the catch, drawing an errant throw that allowed him to come home easily.

The Starfires would also add one run in the ninth when they loaded the bases after Lavelle walked and Alonso and Wentworth singled. Pinch hitter Nolan Florence drew a walk to score Brendan Jones, who pinch ran for Lavelle, making the final score 9-2 Starfires.

Starfires starting pitcher Alex Rosario was dominant, scattering two runs and ten hits over seven innings. Rosario also struck out five batters without allowing a walk. Sam Craven pitched the final two innings in relief of Rosario, walking one and striking out three.

The Starfires return to Bullens Field on Wednesday, July 6 for a 6:30 p.m. matchup against the New Britain Bees, their first matchup at home against the Bees since an exhibition game on June 8.

For the latest on the team, be sure to follow the Starfires on Twitter and Instagram @starfiresbb, and visit us on the web at westfieldstarfires.com.